A £60 million contract to build new and better homes for people with learning disabilities and mental health needs in Leeds was signed today.
The 25 year housing Private Finance Initiative (PFI) between Leeds City Council and the Leeds Independent Living Accommodation Company (LiLAC) Consortium will see 73 houses, bungalows and small blocks of flats built across Leeds in phased developments.
Construction work will now begin in June 2008 and scheduled for completion in June 2011. The first tenants should be in their new homes in March 2009.
The LiLAC Consortium comprises specialist housing provider Progress Care Housing Association, local company Jack Lunn (Properties) Ltd and M J Gleeson Group plc.
The Independent Living Project will deliver purpose-designed, new homes for 343 adults who currently live in 13 large residential homes, allowing them to live closer to their own communities in smaller, more independent settings. The state-of-the-art homes will be suited to the needs of the people using them and will incorporate assistive technology.
The project will also enable new services to be developed which cater specifically for learning disabled people with complex needs.
The project is part of a wider modernisation programme in Leeds to improve the quality of life for people with learning disabilities and mental health needs. Individualised packages of care and support will be delivered through Leeds City Council and other partners which will promote independence, well-being and choice.
The council has been successful in attracting PFI credits for the Independent Living Project from the Department for Communities & Local Government and the Department of Health.
Under the terms of the contract, Jack Lunn (Construction) Ltd, a local building company, is responsible for the design and build of the properties. Powerminster Gleeson Services will maintain the buildings and provide cleaning and gardening services. Progress Care Housing Association is the Registered Social Landlord and holds a national reputation for providing quality housing in the community for people with learning disabilities and mental health needs. The senior funders of the project are Nord LB.
Councillor Peter Harrand, Executive Board member for adult services, said:
“These new, high quality homes will help their tenants live as independently as possible, as valued members of the community and playing a full part in local life. The homes will provide them dignity, privacy and a quality of life that is not currently available in the present hostel-type accommodation.”
Stephen Bradbury, Managing Director of Jack Lunn (Construction) Ltd, said:
“Jack Lunn (Construction) Ltd is delighted to be working with Leeds City Council to provide supported housing in the city. We are looking forward to starting the partnership as the LiLAC consortium’s building contractor, which will vastly improve the quality of life and independence of many Leeds residents.”